Its been a busy year for Matt Redman, a new album, festivals and fatherhood. We here at Nu:Light thought that we would have to catch up with him and see how it had all went.

Matt, You recently lead worship at The Message 2000, how did the event go?
In fact I only ended up there for one day, as my wife and I have just had our first baby - a girl! But Manchester was a fantastic event - just to see the mix of people worshipping through singing, and through serving, and through evangelism was something quite special. Lots of people who'd never really set foot in church before came and committed their lives to following and loving Jesus.
Was their a lot of interest from the young people of Manchester?
Yes - as the 2 weeks went on, more and more young people from the city came to the event and God met with many. The great thing was that often those who became Christians would be so excited about Jesus that the next night they would bring some friends would them.
Do you find that unsaved young people are surprised by the modern nature of worship music?
I'm not sure. I think probably many would be - they associate church music with a very different style. But even more than the music surprising them, we hope and pray that those who don't know Jesus might be surprised by the power of His presence as He inhabits our praises.
This summer saw the release of your 5th Album, which has sold very well, do you think it is your best release yet?
That's not for me to say! In alot of ways I'm most happy with it because we felt like caught something more of the essence of people worshipping on it this time, by things like starting some tracks with just a few singers in a room pouring out their hearts to God, and then building from there.
You worked with many other artists on this album including SONICFLOOD and members of Delirious, how did you find the guys to work with?
Very helpful. It feels like everyone has their own different strengths, so to draw upon the fantastic playing/mixing of Martin & Stu from Delirious, and the energy of what Sonic Flood do was great. Also, they're friends, and that feels really healthy - just to worship together as friends through recording the music.
From all of your songs, do you have any particular personal favourites?
I think the title track, "The Father's Song" is one of my favourites, as it says something to the Lord in a way that I've tried to for ages but never really found the words before. Isn't it amazing that out Father in heaven is singing his eternal love song over us?
Do you listen to many other artists in your spare time?
Yes, I love to listen to music. I like guitar-based music the most. Recently I've been trying to find some fresh worship music to listen too, and I've really enjoyed an album by a guy called Chris Tomlin from Houston in the United States.
What's going on at Survivor records?
There's lots of exciting things coming up. A Manchester-based worship band called Heat have just finished their first album for a new range of Survivor albums where we introduce new worship leaders. In December we'll start on one with a guy called David Gate who has written a fair few songs on the Soul Survivor Live and People's albums. Also, at the moment we're looking for young people to send in worship songs for "The International People's album" which we're going to be recording in April. if you're reading this and you have one to send, please look up www.soulsurvivor.com for address details.
Also this summer Mrs Redman gave birth to a new born baby, how are you finding fatherhood?
Absolutely loving it thanks... she is a wonderful blessing to us - it's amzing how much God speaks to you too through a lovely little newborn baby!